I bought over some bed anchor points from my previous F150 and noticed that:

a. They weren't really secured too well to the bed wall in the old truck. Lucky I hadn't actually tied anything super heavy to them.

b. The screw threads seem to have been destroyed while installing them.

I would like to install these anchors to the new truck but cannot (or will not more likely) use the old screws due to the ruined threads.

Can anyone suggest a good replacement screw that actually uses the correct thread pitch for the hole size and thread in the truck , so i don't destroy the screw or bed wall when installing?

Anyones assistance on this matter is appreciated.

 

They don't look half bad to me, I would probably dab a little anti seize on and reuse them. Or if you want, measure the bolt pitch, thread diameter and length, then pop over to Ace or True Value and grab some new ones. A tiny bit of anti seize and you're good to go 👍
Edit: Others are saying the screws are self-tapping. If that's true, definitely replace them. Also I agree with running a tap in the holes first. Using nice quality (8.8+) hex bolts would look better and be easier to remove later.

 

There are no threads installed in the factory holes. The screws are self tapping. It looks like the screws are ok. The threads just need cleaned out with a wire brush wheel and I think they will be ok. I think you are supposed to put some grease on them and thread them up one time before removing them to install the plates. The greese helps prevent the threads from loading up with material when tapping and removing them.

You can buy a plate kit that comes with instructions and screws on Amazon for about $20.

 

I’m not sure if I’m looking at a different picture of screws than everyone else but those screws are toast. The threads are completely flattened all down at least one side on every one.

I would just take one into the hardware section of Home Depot, Lowes, Ace.. whatever and find the same size and buy all brand new ones. It will cost you more in fuel to get there than the screws will cost.

Thread them into the truck slowly, don’t over tighten, then rock and roll.

 

Those screws are toast! Yup.. don't glance at the picture, load it full size...

 

Just go to the dealer and order the right screws.

James

 

This is true, but I really didn't like the amount of force required to drive the screws into the untapped holes so I ran a tap through all the mounting holes on my truck before installing them. It's absolutely not necessary, but I know that none of the threads are stripped or deformed and I know that I don't have to worry about any of the screws breaking during installation or removal.

 

Go look in the metric bolt section at your local hardware store and look for 6 or 8 mm fender bolts.
https://www.google.com/search?q=6mm+...client=gws-wiz

Or look for a 6 or 8mm tap to fix the threads. Small amount of tapping fluid goes a long way.
https://www.google.com/search?client...+tap+combo+set

If this fails and the threads are to far gone they make fender clip nuts that clip over the existing hole.
https://www.google.com/search?client...nder+clip+nuts

Good Luck
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22,XLT,302a,2.7,payload package